Mayor Lovely Warren announced the news Tuesday morning. Ciminelli accepted a position with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and will resign September 15. He has been in the role of police chief since March 2014.

Deputy Chief Mark Simmons will serve as interim chief. He currently serves as deputy chief of RPD’s Administration Bureau. Simmons is originally from Rochester and has been with the department for 16 years, serving in various capacities.

“I have great faith in Mark Simmons, and I know he will work to protect and serve the citizens of Rochester and ensure the safety of the Rochester police officers,” Warren said in a statement.

Simmon said Tuesday that he had been made aware "a couple months ago" about Ciminelli applying for another position with the DEA.

In a news conference about those suspensions, Ciminelli called the incident a failure of the department and said he was profoundly sorry.

Ciminelli previously worked for the DEA; three of his children live in the Washington, D.C. area as well.

“I have been grateful for the opportunity serve locally in law enforcement and now look forward to the opportunity to once again serve at the federal level,” Ciminelli said in a statement.

There is no word yet on who might replace him as chief on a permanent basis. A national search will be held to bring in a replacement. Warren said the community-police relationship will be a key part of the search process.

“We are looking for someone to and have the ability to build those relationships, develop that trust," Warren said. "Not only to hold people accountable but that our rank and file and officers feel comfortable. And that they understand the job and the expectations and they’re able to deliver on that.”

13WHAM News will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.